Nineteen WFTDA member leagues faced off the weekend of Feb. 26 to 28 when the Slaughter Country Roller Vixens hosted the Wild West Showdown in Bremerton, WA. In one of the closest bouts of the weekend, the Rose City Rollers, ranked fifth by WFTDA in the West Division, took on 2009 WFTDA Champions the Oly Rollers on Friday. Oly narrowly came out with the win in the fierce matchup, winning 157-149.

The weekend packed in plenty of action, with a total of 21 bouts over three days. Veteran derby teams and newer leagues alike joined in the tournament. The event mainly drew teams from WFTDA's West Region, however the Philly Roller Girls of Philadelphia, Pa. flew west to represent the East Region.

Friday results:

• Oly Rollers (#1 West) 157, Rose City Rollers (#5 West) 149
• Rat City Rollergirls (#4 West) 270, Tucson Roller Derby (#9 West) 55
• Slaughter County Roller Vixens (#13 West) 224, Central Coast Roller Derby (not ranked) 159 

Saturday results:

• Duke City Derby (#7 West) 126, Sacred City Derby Girls (#11 West) 55
• Rose City Rollers (#5 West) 154, B.ay A.rea D.erby Girls (#6 West) 27
• Tucson Roller Derby (#9 West) 226, Slaughter County Roller Vixens (#13 West) 88
• Oly Rollers (#1 West) 147, Philly Roller Girls (#2 East) 81
• Pikes Peak Derby Dames (#10 West) 156, Lava City Roller Dolls (not ranked) 119
• B.ay A.rea D.erby Girls (#6 West) 254, Pacific Roller Derby (not ranked) 31
• Rocky Mountain Rollergirls (#3 West) 305, Bellingham Roller Betties (not ranked) 31
• Duke City Derby (#7 West) 149, Jet City Rollergirls (not ranked) 135
• Arizona Roller Derby (#12 West) 253, Fabulous Sin City Rollergirls (#15 West) 81
• Central Coast Roller Derby (not ranked) 174, Emerald City Roller Girls (not ranked) 109 

Sunday results:

• Jet City Rollergirls (not ranked) 329, Pacific Roller Derby (not ranked) 80
• Rose City Rollers (#5 west) 118, Philly Roller Girls (#2 East) 116
• Emerald City Roller Girls (not ranked) 141, Bellingham Roller Betties (not ranked) 133
• Sacred City Derby Girls (#11 West) 141, Pikes Peak Derby Dames (#10 West) 121
• Rocky Mountain Rollergirls (#3 West) 195, B.ay A.rea D.erby Girls (#6 West) 17
• Rat City Roller Girls (#4 West) 128, Philly Roller Girls (#2 East) 123
• Pacific Roller Derby (not ranked) 134, Fabulous Sin City Rollergirls (#15 West) 116
• Arizona Roller Derby (#12 West) 138, Lava City Roller Dolls (not ranked) 137 

For full bout recaps with the gritty play-by-play details, please visit the Derby News Network.

The WFTDA Referee Committee has released an updated set of Standardized Officiating Practices, in the works since July 2009.

Combining the experiences of Referees from over 5 dozen member leagues, this document provides systems for the issues faced by any officiating crew, and helps to establish a standard that both Officials and Skaters can expect wherever they go.

• Where to find the updated WFTDA Officiating Standard Practices

WFTDA is making this copyrighted information available for public use, in the hope that it will improve the quality of officiating and ultimately the sport, as women's flat-track derby expands internationally.

Four teams battled it out for best-in-Texas bragging rights at Feb. 20-21's Governor’s Cup tournament in Austin. Assassination City’s Special Ops, the Dallas Derby Devils’ All-Stars, Houston’s HarRD Knocks, and Austin’s Texecutioners brought the pain in this two-day double-elimination confrontation.

The Texecutioners set a blistering pace for the tournament on Saturday with their 330-8 victory against Assassination City and they never looked back. The indefatigable Dallas Derby Devils looked promising with an early win over Houston’s HarRD Knocks (178-64), but they fell short in the final game of the day against Texas in a 35-166 defeat.

Sunday’s showdown started off with a déjà vu demolition match as the Devils once again defeated Houston 163-91—earning them a spot in the finals against Texas. But the Texies proved to be on a formidable tear as they triumphed over Dallas with a final score of 156-24 to win the tournament.

This is the fourth straight Governor’s Cup victory for Texas.

“Governor’s Cup was an incredible way to launch the 2010 Texas Rollergirls season. As always, we’re proud to bring home the gold for our hometown of Austin. Now that we have our first-game jitters out, all the Texecutioners are ready to bring that same level of competition to our games on February 28,” said veteran Texecutioner skater Bloody Mary, aka WFTDA Executive Director Juliana Gonzales.

The Governor's Cup was the first WFTDA-recognized tournament of the season. Nine tournaments scheduled throughout the country this year have received WFTDA recognition to date; others special events may receive that status in the coming months.

The Slaughter County Roller Vixens are hosting 2010’s Wild West Showdown and the flat track shoot out is quickly approaching.

Nineteen Women’s Flat Track Derby Association member leagues will face off with skates a-blazin’ Feb. 26 to 28. These bouts will take place at the Kitsap Sun Pavilion, 1200 NW Fairgrounds in Bremerton, WA.

The Wild West Showdown is one of nine flat-track roller derby tournaments to be officially recognized by the WFTDA in 2010. Each participating league is slated to play two WFTDA-sanctioned matches at the event. There will also be a track featuring just-for-fun “challenge” bouts and other derby activities.

Results from sanctioned games are used to determine regional rankings among WFTDA leagues. The top teams in each region as of July will earn a spot in the first round of WFTDA playoffs. Tickets to the Wild West Showdown are $55 for an all-weekend pass, $15 for Friday only, $25 for Saturday or Sunday only, and children 6 and younger are free with an adult.

Doors open at 5 p.m. (PST) Friday and bouts start at 6 p.m., doors open at 10 a.m. Saturday and bouts start at 11 a.m. and doors open at 9 a.m. on Sunday and bouts start at 10 a.m.

Participating leagues are: Slaughter County Roller Vixens, Central Coast Roller Derby, Rat City Rollergirls, Tucson Roller Derby, Oly Rollers, Rose City Rollers, Emerald City Roller Girls, Arizona Roller Derby, Sin City Rollergirls, Duke City Derby, Jet City Rollergirls, Pacific Roller Derby, Bay Area Derby Girls, Sacred City Derby Girls, Lava City Roller Dolls, Philly Rollergirls, Rocky Mountain Rollergirls, Pikes Peak Derby Dames and Bellingham Roller Betties.

• Click here to purchase tickets

• Wild West Showdown Preview courtesy of Derby News Network

• Derby News Network Live Coverage: Wild West Showdown

• Wild West Showdown recaps courtesy of Derby News Network.

Friday
6pm: Slaughter County vs. Central Coast
7pm: #9 Rat City vs. Tucson
8pm: #1 Oly vs. #8 Rose City

Saturday
11am: Central Coast vs. Emerald City
12pm: Arizona vs. Sin City
1pm: #16 Duke City vs. Jet City
2pm: #15 Bay Area vs Pacific
3pm: #5 Rocky Mountain vs Bellingham
4pm: Pikes Peak vs. Lava City
5pm: #1 Oly vs. #6 Philly
6pm: Slaughter County vs. Tucson
7pm: #8 Rose City vs #15 Bay Area
8pm: #16 Duke City vs. Sacred City

Sunday
10am: Lava City v Arizona
11am: Pacific vs Sin City
12pm: #6 Philly vs #9 Rat City
1pm: #5 Rocky Mountain vs #15 Bay Area
2pm: Sacred vs Pikes Peak
3pm: Emerald vs Bellingham
4pm: #6 Philly vs #8 Rose City
5pm: Jet City vs. Pacific

The East Coast Derby Extravaganza (ECDX or ECE) is a large-scale women's flat track roller derby event featuring a weekend full of competition by teams from across the US and Canada. The event is hosted by the Philly Roller Girls and will take place June 25-27, 2010 at the Sportsplex in Feasterville, PA. Participants will include Women's Flat Track Derby Association member leagues as well as regional rookie leagues eligible to apply for membership into the national organization.

Participants in WFTDA-Sanctioned ECE 2010 Bouts:

Bay Area Derby Girls
Boston Derby Dames
Carolina Roller Girls
D.C. Rollergirls
Dominion Derby Girls
Dutchland Derby Rollers
Gotham Girls Roller Derby
Hammer City Roller Girls
Harrisburg Area Roller Derby
Maine Roller Derby
Minnesota Roller Girls
Montreal Roller Derby
Naptown Roller Girls
Nashville Roller Girls
North Star Roller Girls
Philly Roller Girls
Providence Roller Derby
Rose City Rollers
Suburbia Roller Derby
Tampa Bay Derby Darlins
Windy City Rollers

• For more information at this time, please visit the Philly Roller Girls ECE page.

• Derby News Network's coverage of the East Coast Derby Extravaganza Team Lottery

Fresh on the heels of their second-place finish at the 2009 Women’s Flat Track Derby Association Championship Tournament, the Texas Rollergirls’ Texecutioners are playing hosts to the 2010 Governor’s Cup, Feb. 20-21 in Austin, TX. This two-day double-elimination showdown pits the Texecutioners against three experienced teams: the Dallas Derby Devils, Assassination City, and Houston’s HaRD Knocks.

Established in 2006, the Governor’s Cup has become the Lone Star State’s who’s-who of roller derby as local leagues fight for the title of Best In Texas. Teams from Dallas, Houston, Lubbock, and San Antonio have all made a fierce showing at past Governor’s Cup events, but they have yet to conquer Austin’s Texas Rollergirls, whose undefeated three-year reign has made them the team to beat. The Governor’s Cup is the first of nine WFTDA-recognized tournaments scheduled in 2009. Sanctioned play during these tournaments, along with individual sanctioned games, helps determine WFTDA member league rankings. As this year’s hosts, the Texecutioners say they are determined to snag the coveted Bronze Armadillo prize a fourth time.

"The team is treating Governor’s Cup as the kickoff to our 2010 road to victory. The Texecutioners intend to set our course for the rest of the year by taking home the trophy,” says co-captain, The Angie Christ.

Tickers and seating for the Governor’s Cup, to be held at the Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex (www.myec.net), are extremely limited. Tickets are $20 for one day, $35 for both days, and are on sale at txrollergirls.com.

• Click here to purchase tickets via PayPal

• Time line and brackets for the tournament here

Skaters and fans of women's roller derby are invited to participate in an online data collection project.  Share your opinions on issues related to the sport, and help set the direction for the modern flat track roller derby movement as it grows internationally.

Click here to learn more and take the survey!

The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) released its final regional rankings for 2009 on January 25th.

The rankings reflect the results of WFTDA-sanctioned games played from Oct. 1, 2009 to Dec. 1, 2009, including the WFTDA Championship Tournament in November.

The fourth quarter rankings generally show little movement in standings as many leagues take a break from bouting following the WFTDA playoff season and during the holidays.

The North Central Region saw most movement this quarter as Detroit Derby Girls rebounded to the #2 spot, putting the Mad Rollin’ Dolls back in the #3 spot. Minnesota RollerGirls took a jump to #7, after sitting at #9 in the rankings for the third quarter of 2009. The Arch Rival Rollergirls of St. Louis dropped to #8 with Cleveland’s Burning River Rollergirls following that trend by coming in at #9.

The Naptown Roller Girls of Indianapolis move up to the #11 spot, shifting the Ohio Roller Girls down to #12, while Sioux Falls Roller Dollz moved up to #13 putting the Fort Wayne Derby Girls in the #14 spot.

In the West Region, Denver regained the #2 spot from their cross-town rivals, Rocky Mountain Roller Girls, after defeating Rocky Mountain to take third place at the WFTDA Championship.

The top of the rankings stayed constant in the South Central Region, but there were some shifts among lower-ranked leagues. West Texas dropped a slot to #11 as Northwest Arkansas Rollergirls moved up to #10. The Tallahassee Rollergirls are freshly ranked at #14, causing Assassination City to drop two places to the #16 spot and the Big Easy Rollergirls to fall in at #17.

Finally, in the East Region, 2008 National Champions Gotham Girls Roller Derby reclaimed the #1 spot from the Philly Roller Girls who dropped back to the #2 spot in the region.

Since launching the WFTDA Apprentice Program in August of 2009, 34 leagues have been accepted into this exciting new pilot program. Designed to act as a "WFTDA 101" tutorial, the Apprentice Program will match new leagues with an established WFTDA mentor, who will guide her apprentice through the processes and requirements necessary to becoming a full member.

In addition, the mentor will offer advice and encouragement about league-specific issues, including everything from league formation (startup leagues) to how to become ranked and qualify for tournaments (veteran leagues).

Upon completion of the program, apprentice leagues will have the knowledge (and the recommendations) needed to apply for full WFTDA membership.

This program replaces WFTDA's traditional membership application process, and is a requirement for all prospective member leagues. Although the program lasts one year for most leagues, a fast-track option is available for more established leagues, and will be offered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of WFTDA.

Were you dying to get your hands on our cozy new track jacket, or the new WFTDA t-shirt with our tag line on the back, just to find out we didn't have your size?

Well, your wait is over! The WFTDA.com store has been completely restocked with all sizes! We'll also be adding some new items soon, including headbands that say Blocker, Pivot, or Jammer, so check back often.

And WFTDA member leagues, don't forget to get your brand new WFTDA banner in the members-only section!

While the countdown to Santa’s arrival has begun in earnest, it’s not too late to get something special for that special rollergirl (or fan) on your list! The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association proudly announces the launch of our new online store, with one-of-a-kind items and apparel that’s certain to please nice (and naughty) recipients alike.

Featured WFTDA Store items include:

• Long-sleeve WFTDA thermal shirt in 100 percent lightweight cotton; $28
• Military-style cap featuring WFTDA logo; $18
• T-shirt featuring the 2009 WFTDA logo contest-winning design; $20
• WFTDA belt buckle; $22
• WFTDA cinch sack; $2

Payment is easy – Visa, Amex, Mastercard and Discover are accepted. Ship the items how you choose, with ground, three-, two- and next-day options available via UPS.

"The launch of our online store is another milestone in the enormous expansion of our organization,” WFTDA Executive Director Juliana Gonzales said. “It’s been a tremendous year in terms of growth, and we’re excited to offer even more ways for our members and other derby enthusiasts to show their ‘WFTDA pride.’"

The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) is proud to announce the four skaters selected as “Most Valuable Players” during the recent 2009 WFTDA National Championship, held Nov. 15 in Philadelphia, PA.

MVPs were selected by teams that participated in the championship match, between the Oly Rollers of Olympia, WA and the Texas Rollergirls of Austin, TX, as well as the bout for third and fourth place, between the Denver Roller Dolls and the Rocky Mountain Roller Girls, both of Denver, CO.

• Heffer (Oly Rollers)
• Rice Rocket (Texas Rollergirls)
• Gaby “Fonda Payne” Begeman (Denver Roller Dolls)
• Whipity Pow (Rocky Mountain Roller Girls)

The championship tournament capped a year of surprising upsets and firsts for WFTDA, including the expansion of regional qualifying tournaments to include North and South Central divisions, which resulted in the largest tournament pool in WFTDA history.

In their first year of tournament play, the Oly Rollers’ Cosa Nostra Donnas not only entered the national tournament as the No. 1 seed from the Western Division, the league won the championship with a 178-100 victory over longtime derby matriarchs, the Texas Rollergirls.

The Women's Flat Track Association (WFTDA) in conjunction with The WFTDA Rules Committee today announce the release of WFTDA STANDARDIZED FLAT TRACK ROLLER DERBY RULES, Updated December 1, 2009 (or, WFTDA Rules December 1, 2009). WFTDA Rules December 1, 2009, ratified by the WFTDA member leagues, immediately replaces WFTDA Rules version 4.0 as the official rule set of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association. Effective today, all bouts must be played under the December 1, 2009 release in order to officially be WFTDA sanctioned.

The new rules release incorporates the skater numbering rule changes that were voted in earlier in 2009, but were voted to take effect on December 1, 2009, after the conclusion of the 2009 WFTDA Tournament season. Highlighting those changes, WFTDA Rules December 1, 2009 states that the uniform numbers of officially rostered WFTDA skaters must contain at least one number and may contain letters, and the combination of numbers and/or letters on a uniform may not exceed four digits. For example, XIX is no longer allowed, but X1X is.

WFTDA Rules December 1, 2009 addresses all of the uniform numbering changes (now found in Section 3.7 Uniforms), and does not include any additional rule changes from the 4.0 release.

The WFTDA Rules Committee also announce today that the official WFTDA rule sets will no longer be numbered releases. Instead, each new release will be dated, beginning with today's release of WFTDA Rules December 1, 2009. All future rule sets released by The WFTDA will use the dated format, using the actual date of release in its name.

WFTDA STANDARDIZED FLAT TRACK ROLLER DERBY RULES, Updated December 1, 2009 can be found on http://wftda.com/rules.

The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) is excited to announce the selection of the five host leagues for its 2010 roller derby playoff season. The WFTDA’s successful 2009 playoff season culminated with the National Championship Tournament held in Philadelphia in November, and it is now time to begin preparations to do it all again next year.

The 2010 playoff season will kick off in early September and teams will compete to win a place at the WFTDA Championship Tournament. The Windy City Rollers will host the “Uproar on the Lakeshore” WFTDA Championship Tournament at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, IL from November 12 to 14, 2010.

Leading up to the Championship Tournament there are four qualifying Regional Playoff Tournaments, one in each of WFTDA’s four regions. 2010's Playoff Tournament hosts are:

• East Region -- Suburbia Roller Derby, White Plains, NY
• North Central Region -- Brewcity Bruisers, Green Bay, WI
• South Central Region -- No Coast Derby Girls, Lincoln, NE
• West Region -- Sacred City Derby Girls, Sacramento, CA

The WFTDA will release additional information about the 2010 playoff season in the coming months.